CR 5.9.13

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By Carol Lawson-Swezey Mom. Just the word makes our hearts swell and our eyes water. And whether we are still fortunate enough to have them in our daily lives or keep them encapsulated in our hearts eternally, we are who we are because of them. Founder of “Angels of Grace” she embodies the name she chose for her organization. Her father states the Lisa “believes we are all God’s children, so she carefully searches for permanent loving parents for these precious foster children.” As a young mother she endured some years of abuse and neglect at the hands of her husband. In an effort to protect her children she struck out on a mission to repay the debt she felt she owed to those who helped her in her time of need. She survived the system, going to school, working full time, and raising her children to become generous, caring people. Foster children were an integral part of the family. Her daughter Alisha said “Ever since I could remember, foster care has always been in our life.” She herself made the decision that she wanted to follow her mom’s example to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. Her son Andre’s pride in his mother is evident in his description of her. “My mother is an amazing woman, she has a glow about her that can light up an entire room.” Her mentor Pauline Fuller counselor at Fresno City College states that “Lisa earned the title of “role model” for single mothers. Lisa had become and is a success story.” MOTHERS DAY GIFT, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Pet Tips, Page 3 Central Valley Motorsports, Page 5 Let’s Talk Clovis, Page 8 Dining Guide, Page 9 Community Calendar, Page 13 Log of Shame, Page 14 PR Farms, Page 17 Featured Recipe, Page 18 The Best Mother’s Day gift ever! MOTHER OF THE YEAR, CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Lisa Casarez - 2013 Fresno County Mother of the Year WWW.CLOVISROUNDUP.COM DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT May 9, 2013 THE ONLY NEWSPAPER DEDICATED TO SERVING CLOVIS & THE SURROUNDING FOOTHILL COMMUNITIES • VOL. 4, N O. 1 Fran Blackney with daughter Corinne Lisa Casarez, founder of Angels of Grace, is the Fresno County Mother of the Year for 2013. Lisa was surprised with this announcement on Monday, April 29th.

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CR 5.9.13

Transcript of CR 5.9.13

Page 1: CR 5.9.13

By Carol Lawson-Swezey

Mom. Just the word makes our hearts swell and our eyes water. And whether we are still fortunate enough to have them in our daily lives or keep them encapsulated in our hearts eternally, we are who we are because of them.

Founder of “Angels of Grace” she embodies the name she chose for her organization. Her father states the Lisa “believes we are all God’s children, so she carefully searches for permanent loving parents for these precious foster children.”

As a young mother she endured some years of abuse and neglect at the hands of her husband. In an effort to protect her children she struck out on a mission to repay the debt she felt she owed to those who helped her in her time of need. She survived the system, going to school, working full time, and raising her children to become generous, caring people. Foster children were an integral part of the family. Her daughter Alisha said “Ever since I could remember, foster care has always been in our life.” She herself made the decision that she wanted to follow her mom’s example to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

Her son Andre’s pride in his mother is evident in his description of her. “My mother is an amazing woman, she has a glow about her that can light up an entire room.”

Her mentor Pauline Fuller counselor at Fresno City College states that “Lisa earned the title of “role model” for single mothers. Lisa had become and is a success story.” Mother’s Day Gift, continueD on paGe 6

Pet Tips, Page 3Central Valley Motorsports, Page 5

Let’s Talk Clovis, Page 8Dining Guide, Page 9

Community Calendar, Page 13Log of Shame, Page 14

PR Farms, Page 17Featured Recipe, Page 18

The Best Mother’s Day gift ever!

Mother of the year, continueD on paGe 12

Lisa Casarez - 2013 Fresno County Mother of the Year

WWW.CLOVISROUNDUP.COM DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT May 9, 2013

THE ONLY NEWSPAPER DEDICATED TO SERVING CLOVIS & THE SURROUNDING FOOTHILL COMMUNITIES • VOL. 4, NO. 1

Fran Blackney with daughter Corinne

Lisa Casarez, founder of Angels of Grace, is the Fresno County Mother of the Year for 2013. Lisa was surprised with

this announcement on Monday, April 29th.

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Clovis Roundup May 9, 2013 Page 3

How to help your pet survive a sizzling summerHarsh weather conditions can threaten

the health of anyone, including the family pet. This is especially so in the summertime, when animals can easily and quickly get dehydrated.

Extreme temperatures in the summer force many pet owners to keep their pets indoors during the daytime. But there are ways pets can survive a sizzling summer and still enjoy some fun in the sun. Pet owners can take the following precautions as the mercury rises so their favorite four-legged friends are not confined to the house when summer hits full swing.

* Be attentive at all times. Pets do not hide their emotions well, and a pet that is struggling with the heat is bound to exhibit some symptoms. According to the ASPCA, symptoms of heat stroke in pets include:

- excessive panting or difficulty breathing

- increased heart rate- drooling- mild weakness- stupor- collapseEach of these indicates a pet might

be overheating, and a pet might also suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting when its body temperature is too high. When taking a pet outdoors in the heat, people should be mindful of these symptoms and be attentive to the animal’s condition at all times.

* Trim the animal’s coat. Long hair in the summertime can make things very uncomfortable for your pet. Hair cut to about one inch can help prevent overheating. When trimming the animal’s coat, do not cut closer than one inch, as anything less than an inch likely won’t provide any protection from the sun.

* Only visit areas with ample shade.

Areas that are without shade, such as a beach or wide open park, are not good spots to walk a pet in the summertime. Pets can easily overheat when exposed to hot summer sun, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Only go for walks in areas with ample shade so pets can still get outdoors but get only limited exposure to the hot summer sun.

* Don’t take pets on chore runs. Many pet owners like to take their pets with them when they’re doing chores, such as dropping mail off at the post office or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy. Such chores may take just a few minutes, but those few minutes in a hot car can prove deadly for pets. Pets should never be left alone in a car on a hot day, when the car can quickly reach extreme temperatures. Some regions have even made it illegal to

leave pets in unattended cars on hot days.* Steer clear of asphalt on hot days. Pet

owners know enough not to walk on hot asphalt without shoes on, and they should take the same precautions with their pets. The padding on pets’ feet can suffer considerably from hot asphalt, and this can prove very painful to animals. When walking pets on a hot day, avoid asphalt, which can cause pets’ body temperature to rise considerably, especially smaller pets whose bodies are closer to the ground. Stick to the grass or other surfaces that don’t get so hot under the summer sun.

Pets can overheat quickly and easily in the summertime. But pet owners who take a few precautionary measures can still take their pets out for some fun in the summer sun.

Keeping pets on cool surfaces, such as grass, when the temperatures are hot can help pets avoid overheating and dehydration.

About thisPublication

Clovis Roundup is a publication that is published every other Thursday and

distributed weekly by Clovis Roundup Inc.throughout Clovis and surrounding areas.

Donna Melchor - Publisher/Editor,

(559) 472-6443,[email protected]

Ken Melchor - Vice President(559) 285-6687

[email protected]

Mike Long - Advertising Sales(559) 917-4472

[email protected]

Billy Xiong - Ad Design and Production(559) 289-8725

[email protected]

Butler Web & Design - Online Coordinatorwww.ButlerWebAndDesign.com

Joaquin Hernandez - Photo Journalist(559) [email protected]

Contributing WritersCarol Lawson-Sweezey - Featured Articles

Peg Bos - Let’s Talk ClovisDon Curlee - Ag at Large

April French - Police Log of ShamePaul Hinkle - Central Valley Motorsports

Dick Nichols - Fishing ReportSarah A. Peterson - Featured Articles

Dr. Edward Trevino - Featured ArticlesSam Fragoso - Dispatches from a Movie Theater

Accounting ServicesTeresa Stevens - Certified Public Accountant

(559) [email protected]

The Clovis Roundup is a custom publication.2491 Alluvial Avenue Suite # 540

Clovis, CA 93611 | (559) 326-2040www.clovisroundup.com

To submit events for the CR Calender,email [email protected]

For Advertising, email [email protected]

Reproduction by any means of the entire contents or any portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited. The appearance of any

advertisements in this publication does not constitute support or endorsement for any product, person,

cause, business or organization named therein, unless specifically noted otherwise in the advertisement.

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Shaver Lake Fishing ReportBy Dick Nichols

Summer like weather hit Shaver Lake. Coupled with good fishing, things couldn’t be much better here. Guide Dick Nichols, of Dick’s Fishing Charters says his clients have all been limiting out this month. Saturday, Jeff Francis, of Clovis, took his son Conner and friend Ross, out with Nichols. The trio recorded about 50 hook ups bringing 23 to the boat, keeping 3 limits to 15 inches. The problem is keeping second year kokanee off the hook. “They are everywhere”, says Nichols.

It appeared most of the week to Nichols that most trollers were catching fish. Many of the kokanee are measuring 10 to 12 inches and are fat. Most of the kokanee

are around the Point at about 20 to 25 feet down. All of the fish Nichols clients caught this week were on Trout Busters tipped with corn on the first hook and a piece of crawler on the back hook behind Mountain Flashers. He said that one of his downriggers has a Captain Jack’s pink Super Hoochie with corn and it is doing very well.

Bank fishermen are collecting trophy sized trout from various spots on the lake. Power Bait and crawlers are doing the trick. 3-5 fish per stringer is very possible. The Point, Sierra Marina, roads 1 and 2 are good. Dorabella cove has produced some limit’s with rainbow glittered Power Bait, according to Captain Jack Yandell, of Captain Jack’s Tackle Shop in Shaver. He said that Andy Daniels of Clovis weighed in an 18-inch rainbow at his tackle shop. Daniels was fishing near the dam with night crawlers.

The Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project welcomes any usable unwanted boats for sale to go toward purchase of more trophies. Contact Debby at Shaver Lake Sports, 841-2740 for boat donations. The SLTTP meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Edison Camp office. Everyone is welcome, there are no dues.

Dick Nichols owner of Dicks Fishing Charters

Cavity SearchBy Dr. Edward Trevino

What if one morning after brushing your teeth you look in the mirror and notice a mark on your tooth. You try and think back, was that there yesterday? As hard as you can think, you don’t remember that mark being there. You wonder what it could be. Could this be a cavity? So you make the phone call to your dental office in hopes of finding out what’s going on.

Of course your dental office will review everything like your health history, etc. before moving on to the more obvious complaint of a mark on your tooth. If the dentist doesn’t find anything obvious going on in your mouth other than the mark , he will proceed to do a visual exam. He is well trained to visually identify a cavity but he can also detect a cavity by tactile sensation or better interpreted “ by touch. “ A cavity or “caries “ as it is technically called, can be soft or sticky. It could be chalky, but with a toothpick- like instrument, called an explorer, it can be easily detected.

If the cavity is in its infancy it may be difficult to detect by eye or by touch. The next step would be to take a radiograph or

an x-ray to see if there is caries present. When an x-ray is taken, the picture will show an outline of the tooth in question. The film will show gradients of gray depicting the outer enamel layer and then a darker shade of gray depicting the inner dentinal layer. Within the dentinal layer will exist the nerve which is even darker yet. If the film shows a darker area yet, that is almost black, this may indicate caries present or a cavity.

All these methods of information gathering coupled together will define whether a cavity is truly present. Is there a better way to find caries? Technology plays an important role in the medical field. Just as we can take scans to look inside the human body with CAT scans, MRIs and cone beam computed tomography, there are advancements to locate cavities. There are electrical caries mouth monitors that use electrical impedance signals to measure resistance of various carious and non-carious portions of a tooth, cavities being present versus healthy tooth structure. There is also light induced fluorescence that utilizes the theory that when a blue

light is introduced to the dental light spectrum, the tooth will change colors to a green which can more easily indicate that caries is present. We can also add laser technology which is a different method for introducing light to the equation for the search for cavities. Of course all of these methods have been simplified in their explanations, but rest assured each one of them has been given their due diligence in research. What are the benefits of these methods of diagnosing? Early detection! Many times x-rays, visual and manual detection are not adequate for finding cavities that are just starting. These methods are far more advanced in finding early changes that may allow early treatment and salvaging of a healthy tooth structure. Even when we actually are repairing a tooth and removing caries we can use a dye to tell us if we have removed all the caries. Caries is the actual disease, a cavity is the area left behind or the hole after the caries is removed. The cavity or preparation is filled with a restorative or filling material to rebuild the tooth. Rest assured technology is constantly

advancing in search of the ever allusive cavity.

If you have any questions or comments, you may contact this writer at:

Art of Design Implant, Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Edward A. Treviño, D.D.S.1040 E. Herndon, #102Fresno, CA 93720559-230-0809559-230-0833 [email protected]

Bryan Brooks, of Fresno proudly shows his 5 pound rainbow that was weighed in at Young’s Sporting Goods in Shaver Lake.

Charters, when he picked up this nice limit of rainbows from 14 to 16 3/4 inches.

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Clovis Roundup May 9, 2013 Page 5

Central Valley Motorsports- SPONSORED BY HEDRICKS CHEVROLET -

By Paul Hinkle

This weather is hot rod weather. Anytime of day, from early morning to evening, you are in for an enjoyable ride around town or out in the country.

For fifteen years, Hot Rods of Fresno has been putting on one of the finest outdoor car shows in Fresno, the Tower Car Show. Early in the morning, proud owners of cars from all over the Central Valley started filling both sides of the streets, from Palm to Van Ness. There were many newly finished cars that were being shown for the first time. Last year the turnout for this show was low because of the poor weather but this year you could not have asked for better weather. By mid morning the streets started filling with spectators eager to see all the custom and classic cars on display.

Blackie Gejeian was honored as Grand Marshal of this years show. Blackie spent the entire day greeting the spectators and sharing stories with old friends. He

couldn’t go more than twenty feet without someone stopping to talk or having their picture taken with him. Everyone r e m e m b e r s B l a c k i e ’ s Autorama Car Show, one of the most prestigious car shows in the country.

J A C K E T AWARDS:

Best of Show – John Carey, Best Pre 32 – Ruben Ramirez, Best 32-39 – Chris Pistoresi, Best 40-49 – Jerry Baird, Best 50-59 – Ed Marashian,

Best 60-72 – Lloyd Sullivan, Best Pick-up – Jim Palumbo, Best Muscle Car – Rob Fagundes, Magnum Suspension – Richard Salinas, Tri-Five – Glen Rickert, Pinstripping Award – Rob Fagundes, Participant Choice – Gene Jacobsen, Bill “Bergie” Bergen Memorial Award – Dean

Sharp, Legend Award – John Lawson.

CLASS AWARDS:Street Rods to 31 – Bob

Diehl, Street Rods 32 – John Lawson, Street Rods 33 to 34 – Dick Gilbert, Street Rods 35 to 37 – Lenny Bendoski, Street Rods 38 to 40 – Gus Loya, Fat Fenders 41 to 48 – Nick Kocsis, Roadster – Larry King, Cobra Pre 73 – Phil White, Chevrolets 55 to 57 – Chris Schmidt, Corvettes 55 to 57 Val & Kathy Talley, Mustangs Pre 73 – Michael Fornaro, Camaro Pre 73 – Nick Burgess, Pickups 54 – Chet Kistler, Pickups 55 to 72 – David Thompson, Autos Modified 49 to 60 – Greg Rust, Autos Modified 61 to 72 – Gary Sons, Open Car Convertible – Dave Biswell, Muscle Cars –Paul & Sandi Chopra, Special Interest – Marlow Klein, Autos Stock 59 (All Original) – Jim Kozera, Autos Stock 60 to 72 (All Original) – Mike Emerzian.

Don’t forget that we are going to get together on July 12, 2013 for the SEMA National Collector Car Appreciation Day cruise (More information in future articles).

UP COMING EVENTS: May 11th Jefferson Elementary 3rd Annual Car Show Clovis, Warbirds Wings & Wheels in Paso Robles, May 12th “MOTHERS DAY” (Guys), May 18th Cam Twisters Car

Show, 25th Annual Downtown Visalia Car Show, May 18th – 19th Eagle Field Drags, May 19th Dan Rouit Flattrack Motorcycle Museum 22nd Open House, May 24th – 26th Annual West Coast Kustoms Car Show Santa Maria, June 1st Northside Christian Church, June 1st – 2nd Summer Get-Together Pleasanton, June 7th Rods on the Bluff, June 8th Dinuba Main Street Car Show, Peoples Church Car Show, June 14th – 16th L.A. Roadster Show Pomona and The Classic Pismo Beach Car Show, June 15th Coarsegold Car Show, June 22nd Kettleman City Car Show, June 29th St. Agnes Mission Church 3rd Annual Car Show, July 27th Arroyo Grande Valley Car Show.

If your club or organization is putting on a car show or motorsports event, please send your information to [email protected] or call me at (559) 970-2274. I’m also looking for interesting cars and events to

share with everyone.

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Mother’s Day GiftContinued from page 1

So what do moms want and care about on their special May day? As a sampling from local moms tell us, it isn’t jewels or fan-cy gifts they cherish, but time spent with

loved ones.So this is for all moms. Those who start

and end their perpetual workday as a stay-at-home mom or those who fuse a dozen different roles into a bulging 24 hour day.

LaDonna Snow, owner of Snowflake Designs, which manufactures and ships le-otards throughout the world, said her best Mother’s Day gift ever was her daughter Kaylene Snow, who was born on Mother’s Day 27 years ago.

“My daughter was born on Mother’s Day, May 12th!!! She was my present, “she said. LaDonna is married to Richard and they have two daughters, Kaylene and Kindra Walker, 30.

Another May baby brought lifelong

blessings to Fran Blackney, the Clovis Chamber’s communications director.

“My favorite Mother’s Day gift was presented to me by God in 1982 with the May birth of our daughter, Corinne, who became Kevin’s little sister and gave me the best title ever – Mom,” Fran said. “My husband, Mark, and I have watched with great joy as she has become a kind, com-passionate, intelligent young woman who is highly respected and loved by many. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.”

Busy educator Dr. Janell Morillo jug-gles a more than full time career at the Kremen School of Education at Fresno State with her vital roles of mom, wife and family Chief Operating Officer. She shares a blended family with husband Marcus of four children, Michela, 16, Caitlin, 12, Spencer, 10, and Camille, 7.

“As I think about what is the greatest Mother’s Day gift I have received, it is actually something intangible. You can’t touch it, smell it, or tuck it away in a box, but rather it is something I hold close to my heart. That gift is the constant love and support that I have received from my mother and my children over the years,” Janell said. “I have been blessed with hav-ing a mother that is supportive, loving, and full of wisdom. Now that I am a mother of four children in a “blended” family, I hope I will be able to pass along that support and love to them ... and hopefully a little wis-dom along the way.”

Often, the best gift is that which moms never seem to have enough of--time.

For Pat Grossi, who owns Bear Creek Gifts and Cabin Décor with husband Lar-ry, time and family are the best gifts.

“The best gift I receive every year is be-ing able to spend time with my husband,

Larry, our daughters, Robin and Kerri, their husbands and our six grandchildren,” said Pat.

Roseanne Valenzuela, who owns Valen-zuela Auto Body Shop with her husband Don, enthusiastically agrees. “There’s nothing materialistic that compares. For the last few years, my sons, Darrell, 28, and Thomas, 25, treat me to a day of bar-beque and family time at my eldest son’s house. My mother joins us and spending this time together is the best blessing ever.”

For Becky Clark, who owns Clovis Storage and Executive Suites with her hus-band Jerry, the best gift was not given on Mother’s Day, but was the birth of her four boys, Justin, 29, Christopher 23, and the twins, Matthew and Michael 20.

“The best gifts were those special hugs from dirty little hands, or a wild flower brought in as a gift for no reason at all. Late night calls when they have a problem, knowing that I would be available with an open ear,” Becky said. “Or my favorite,

Sunday dinners. Cooked all afternoon and sitting around a table full of boys eating their hearts out, purring sounds of enjoy-ment. So to pick one special gift is not possible. My Favorite Mother’s Day gift is everyday feeling the love of my four sons!”

For cancer survivor and business owner Anna Tasier, who owns The Meat Mar-ket, it was the memory of tiny busy hands which is most cherished.

“My best gift was the year my kids all made me their cards and picked me a bou-quet of flowers from the neighbor’s yard. They were all so proud of what they had done, it made me cry. They were 4, 5 and 8. And no, they didn’t ask till after they did it, which was what was so funny,” Anna said. “The neighbor came over and wished me happy Mother’s Day. He said I must be one heck of a mommy.”

The three girls, Jessica, 28, Erika, 25 and Monica, 23, still bring their mom flowers, but not from the neighbor’s yard.

Dr. Janell Morillo

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Clovis Roundup May 9, 2013 Page 7

Ag at Large – trace elements: Tracing food bacteria challenges the system

By Don Curlee

Food poisoning is no fun, and tracing the source of bacteria that causes it in fresh produce commodities has become so involved and complicated that it’s no fun either.

Pinning down the source of food-borne bacteria in these commodities became a top priority for the federal Food and Drug Administration(FDA) in 2005 after several well publicized events of poisoning occurred.

At different times and places the carriers of the bacteria were identified as strawberries, cantaloupes, lettuce and other leafy green vegetables, potatoes and more. .A suspicion that terrorism might be or could be involved added intensity to the project.

Pinpointing the source of food contamination is a key to preventing its spread and correcting its cause. Common causes for recent poisonings have been e. coli and listeria organisms, sometimes traceable to soils, additives or fecal contamination, usually from animals that have entered the growing grounds.

Eventually the efforts by the FDA and

members of the fresh produce industry culminated in the Traceability Initiative. It was fully supported by the retail supermarket industry as well as growers and shippers of the food commodities and their organizations and associations.

The initiative’s first requirement was registration of the locations of facilities that processed or handled food products originating in multiple locations. For example, a packinghouse accepting oranges, lettuce or tomatoes grown in more than one location was required to register and identify the orchards or fields where the commodities were grown.

By 2009 the effort expanded, and activities came under the control of the Food Safety Modernization Act, with more stringent demands on suppliers. The produce industry responded by adopting its own Produce Traceability Initiative(PTI).

Discussions and study resulted in applying electronics to the process, development of a bar code attached to produce commodities yielding strategic data . The imprint provided basic information about production – registering

one step backward from the packinghouse, processing or handling facility, and one step forward to the retail or wholesale destination where it was delivered.

Retailers saw an opportunity to expand the bar code’s information to include dates of delivery and forwarding.details, individual store locations, distribution information and more. Including the additional data increased the cost of producing the bar code, a cost borne primarily by shippers, who were saddled with the responsibility of attaching it..

An equitable sharing of the cost to accumulate the data and include it in a bar code has not been developed yet, and may not be. It is a desirable goal that so far is beyond the reach of even space-age electronic technology as it intersects with old-fashioned practicality.

Many of the details required to improve the trace-back process were investigated by the Instituted of Food Technologist(IFT), which conducted two pilot programs, leading to its recently issued report. The report offers 10 recommendations that the FDA can follow as it seeks to improve and

standardize traceability procedures.Neither the IFT or others in the produce

industry suggest that fine-tuning the process of tracing an individual tomato – or prune, or potato – to its source of growth and preparation for shipment will be simple or easy.

For example, the diligent study has suggested that FDA might be the most logical agency to administer penalties where violations of sound traceability practices are violated. But FDA doesn’t want that responsibility, and doesn’t have funds to undertake such activities.

In the meantime homemakers and food handlers and preparers at all levels are encouraged to wash and clean food commodities carefully before they are served. Restaurateurs and institutional food handlers are especially culpable, and at the same time essential to further progress in achieving foolproof traceability.

And if you’re one of the few who pick your own, the procedure is simple, no bar code required

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Essential Tips to Buying Your Next Car

With sales of new and used vehicles increasing steadily, credit unions like Fresno County Federal Credit Union are making large numbers of auto loans.

It seems that people are turning to credit unions for financing because credit unions offer some of the lowest auto financing rates around.

If you’re one of the motivated shoppers making their way into car dealerships this summer, chances are you can enjoy a lot more than just a test drive – you’ll drive home the car or truck of your dreams at a payment you can afford.

If you do your homework, you can be very productive, and end up with your very best deal. Here are essential tips that can help you when you’re car shopping:

Research online. Know ahead of time the make, model and options you want; having already made these big decisions will save you time at the dealership. Check the auto manufacturers’ websites and explore all the options, even build the car you want online. Take print-outs with you to help in with the shopping process.

Know the price of the car you want. Do your research to get a good idea of the base price (the price of the car without any options) and how much dealers add for options like leather interior, navigation, etc. This will be your starting point when you begin negotiations.

Know what your trade-in is worth. Look at classified listings and check out the Kelley Blue Book to determine the market value of your trade-in. Blue Book estimates are based on cars in good condition, so your car’s actual value may go up or down. Remember not to disclose your trade-in until after you’ve negotiated the price of the new car.

Insist on the car you want. Make sure it’s exactly the make, model and color you want, with all of the options you require. The car you want may have to be driven from another dealer – that’s no problem, because dealers trade vehicles all the time. If the car you want isn’t available, wait for it, or you may find yourself accepting a purchase you’re not happy with.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Your first offer shouldn’t be insulting to the dealer, and it should be less than you are willing to pay. Once you’ve settled on a price, check the paperwork to make sure it is what was agreed upon.

Think about upgrades. Once you’ve decided on the car you want, take a close look at the options. A better set of tires may help your car operate more efficiently and last longer. Consider more safety options: blind spot cameras, collision avoidance

BuyinG your next car, continueD on paGe 15

“Let’s Talk Clovis”, the Honorable Phillip V. SanchezBy Peg Bos, Clovis Museum

The amazing Honorable Phillip Sanchez continues to champion his belief that education is the keystone to helping the poor and disadvantage create and sustain a better life. He states: “They need a core and the core is the classroom. They need a little guidance and a lot of encouragement.”

He is a great patriot and communicator. His New York office was near the Twin World Towers and he witnessed the carnage on 9/11. He wrote: ”I am remembering, now, the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as he addressed the Nation after Pearl Harbor: “Today, December 7, 1941….a day which will live in infamy…” But today, September 11, 2001, has surely taken its place, amigos. This is a new day which “will live in

infamy.”He closed by saying: “In the words

of Dickens’ Tim Jim, “God bless, us, everyone.”

Phillip was born in Pinedale. His family was Mexican immigrants who worked mainly in our local fields. He was inspired by his mother (she never attended school) and Monsignor Francis X. Singleton (former rector of St. John’s Cathedral) to become educated.

Sanchez was convinced: “I could be anything I wanted to be and that an

education would make me the equal of my neighbor.” He would be the only one of seven siblings to graduate from high school.

He remembers the small rural school house where the teacher taught three

grades and the principal two. Phillip (age 16) graduated from Clovis

High in 1946. He was the first editor of the school’s newspaper (Cougar’s Growl). He would become publisher of “Noticias del Mundo”, a Spanish-language newspaper in New York. His weekly column “Buenos Dias Amigos” was read in 62 U.S. Cities.

He earned his Bachelor’s (1952) and Master’s (1975) degrees in Political Science from CSU, Fresno. He would eventually serve on its Advisory Board.

Ambassador Sanchez received the first (1971) of his four consecutive appointments from President Richard Nixon when he was appointed Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity. Later he served (he succeeded Hon. Donald Rumsfield) as National Director of OEO (War on Poverty). He became the highest ranking Hispanic appointee in U.S. history.

His diplomatic career began when President Nixon appointed him U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras (1973) and Ambassador to the Republic of Columbia (1976).

During their years at the Embassies, his beautiful wife (Juanita Martinez Sanchez, 1929-2010) arranged the adoption of 18 homeless babies. Each child became a successful American citizen. The couple has three children and two adopted children.

His local public service included serving as Fresno County’s Administrative Officer and as trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Clovis Unified School District (1961-1963).

In 1968 California Governor Ronald Reagan (tenure 1966-1974) appointed him to serve on the Governing Board of the

California Community College and to the Trustees of the California State Colleges and Universities.

He became founding Publisher of “Tiempos del Mundo”. The weekly Spanish language newspaper which was printed in every nation in the Western Hemisphere in 1996.

Sanchez retired as full colonel in the army Reserve after a forty year career in 1987.

In 1975 he was chosen as “Man of the Year” by the American Association of Colleges and Universities. In 2000 he was inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame and in 2001 honored as Clovis Living Legend by the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society.

The Honorable Phillip Sanchez has provided us a rich heritage that he also shared through out our world.

U.S. Ambassador, Phillip V. Sanchez

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Simonian Farms offers strawberry fields for springBy Carol Lawson-Swezey

Would you like a little history with those strawberries?

In addition to the succulent, sweet and luscious treasures of the Valley’s spring fruit crop, Simonian Farms offers a bounty of other produce and wines as well as a large sampling of the Valley’s agricultural heritage.

The family farm, which has been called by loyal customers the “agricultural Disneyland,” has been nourishing families and creating memories for over a hundred years.

The fourth generation farm is now run by Dennis and Bonnie Simonian and their three daughters Stacy, Kimberly and Ashley also work there.

The store, located on Clovis and Jensen avenues, is an unique combination of market and museum, boasting over 180 seasonal varieties of fruits and vegetables, gift baskets, wines and a hodgepodge of fascinating memorabilia including antique mannequins, porcelain signs, restored vintage gas pumps, antique bicycles, tractors and even a turn-of-the-century model train that steams and whistles along 200 feet of overhead track.

In 2012, a new attraction was unveiled, “Simonian Farms Old Town,” a 5,000 SF western-themed town built inside a barn on the property. A step back into the late 1840s-1950s, Old Town includes a wine tasting saloon, church, barber shop, a Route 66 animated shooting gallery, school house, general store, its own vintage model train and a 1950s era gas station. New things are added regularly including a recent interactive gold mining section for big and little kids.

Many of the artifacts are from the family homestead, including the lime-green door to the schoolhouse which was on owner Dennis Simonian’s grandmother’s farmhouse. The 100 year old stained glass window in the steeple of the church is from the original Armenian Church in Fresno. Other interesting pieces include an anvil from the family’s livery stable and Bonnie Simonian’s first car on display in the 1950s diner.

The working saloon offers tastings and sales of 50 different California wines as well as Simonian Farms award winning fruit wines. You will find over 120 flavors of old fashioned sodas and candy located in the general store.

“We’re always collecting new old things,” said Bonnie Simonian. “We’re very detailed in what we do. The farm is a great collection of California, Valley and family history. It’s a nice agricultural museum in a fun family atmosphere. Someone recently said it’s an ag Disneyland. The first word most people say

is “Wow.” We must be doing something right to get that reaction from kids as well as their parents and grandparents.”

Besides the historical artifacts, the farm’s main draw is its bountiful selection of the Valley’s best food offerings. Currently, the farm is awash in strawberries and late season citrus with cherry and boysenberry season right around the corner. A cornucopia of summer produce will include tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon, nectarines, peaches, plums and grapes. Late summer crops include pomegranates, persimmons and nuts.

“We taste every variety before we plant it,” said Dennis Simonian. “We might not have the biggest grapes in town but we have the best tasting.”

Dennis said crops will mature earlier this year because of the mild spring. In addition to fresh produce, premium dried fruits and nuts are processed, packaged and shipped from the farm. The 20 acre property also has displays of horse drawn wagons, plows, cultivators and over 35 restored metal wheeled antique tractors. Special activities are planned annually, including a month long Oktoberfest with pumpkins, hayrides, a haunted caboose and a hay maze. During the holidays you will find fresh cut Christmas trees and a beautifully decorated barn offering hot cider and hot chocolate.

Many of the Valley’s school children have taken field trips to the farm. In 1995, a memorable surprise visitor was then President Bill Clinton, who spent an hour touring the facility and asked that they turn on the model railroad which runs above the perimeter of the store.

Simonian Farms began in 1901 when Baghdassar Simonian immigrated to the region from Armenia. Today, his descendants farm about 80 acres and produce more than 180 varieties of fruits and vegetables that are sold at the family-run fruit stand. The farm has become a popular location for birthday, retirement parties and fundraisers. By popular request, the barn is now offering affordable western themed weddings.

“Customers are impressed that it’s a unique shopping experience,” said Bonnie Simonian. “It’s more than just a store where you can buy direct from the farmer. It’s a family experience –made more interesting with artifacts, antiques and historical restorations.”

More than a market, it has become a family destination and a tourist mecca.

“It’s a place where people bring other people to visit,” said Dennis.

For more information visit simonianfarms.com.

siMonian farMs, continueD on paGe 13

Mother of the Year

Continued from page 1

She has been successful in finding more Spanish speaking foster parents and understands how that can make a real difference in a child’s life. She treats each child like a precious gift and sees that they have love and a nurturing family.

And yet with all her busy schedule, she has always been there for her children. They were her priority. Her children have grown to be responsible and caring adults, raising children of their own with Lisa’s compassion and courage.

Her spiritual counselors extol her work and speak of the enormous impact her love has had on her family and the children in our community, especially those that have no voice.

Lisa with Keri Bennitt VP of Marketing for FCFCU Lisa and Karen Waligorski, Mother of the Year for 2008

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Clovis Roundup May 9, 2013 Page 13

Clovis Blood DrivesClovis Roundup 5/9-5/23Spring is here, which means more time

to go out and enjoy the nicer weather. But, before you do, please don’t forget to visit a Central California Blood Center or mobile drive site near you, donate blood and help patients in Valley hospitals. Your “gift of life” can help bring someone home sooner!

And don’t forget to ask about joining the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. For additional information, please call (559) 389-LIFE (5433) or visit www.donateblood.org

BATTLE OF THE BADGES! -- Give blood, save a life and show your support for your favorite badged personnel! It’s

the 12th Annual North Valley Battle of the Badges. Visit donateblood.org for mobile drives, but you can also give at these locations,Now through Saturday, May 18:

All donors receive a FREE Commemorative 12th Annual North Valley Battle of the Badges T-shirt!

Fresno Buddhist Temple – Sunday,

May 19, 8:00 am – 12:00 noon, 2720 East Alluvial, Clovis – All donors receive Fresno Grizzlies game discounts!

City of Clovis – Tuesday, May 21, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm, 1033 Fifth Street, Clovis – All donors receive Fresno Grizzlies game discounts!

Simonian

FarmsContinued from page 12

Strawberry Dessert PizzaIngredients:1 - 16 oz package refrigerated cookie

dough2 - 8 oz package cream cheese, softened2/3 - cup sugar1 - 16 oz container fresh strawberries,

halved(other fresh berries or fruit can be substituted)

1 - 13 oz container strawberry glaze (other fruit glaze can be substituted)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut cookie

dough into 1/4 inch slices and arrange on a lightly greased 14 - 15 inch pizza pan. You can also layer foil over the pizza pan for easy cookie removal.

Press the cookie dough pieces together to form a pizza crust. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-18 minutes or until the cookie dough is cooked and golden brown. Let cookie crust cool completely.

Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust to within 1/2 inch from the cookie edge.

Spread the strawberry glaze over the cream cheese mixture and top with strawberry halves. Serve immediately. Or, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

-MAY-Clovis Senior Center Rummage Sale

Thursday, May 9thTime: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Clovis Senior Center, 850 4th StreetTons of gently used items, clothing,

household items, and furniture. Silent auction for bigger ticket items. 10+

vendors with their own items to sales as well. Hot Dogs, Chile Dogs, Donuts, Nachos, Soda and Coffee also for sale. We welcome your donated items for the rummage sale no more than two weeks

prior to the sale.Contact the Clovis Senior Center for more

information at 559-324-2750

Clovis East freshman Nathan Shelton book signing

Saturday, May 11th from 11 am to 1pmRodeo Coffee Shop at 535 5th Street in

Old Town Clovis“The Mystery of Cambria” involves

four lifelong friends who set out to solve mysterious murders in the now deserted

tourist mecca of Cambria.

Old Town Clovis Farmers MarketFriday Nights, May 10th, 17th, 24th, &

31st Every Friday evening beginning on May

11th, Friday Night Farmers’ Market is in full swing in the heart of Old Town Clovis. Sample a cornucopia of fresh,

delicious fruits and vegetables grown here in the nation’s finest agricultural region,

each in the peak of season! Live entertain-ment and special activities for kids.

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Place: Old Town Clovis, Pollasky Avenue,

between Third and Fifth StreetsFree Admission

Contact: Business Organization of Old Town (BOOT) at (559) 298-5774.

www.oldtownclovis.org

“Let’s Talk Clovis” Featuring Duane Barker, Voice of the

CougarsTuesday, May 14, 2013,

Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, Hughes & Fifth, free to public.

Willow Choir Broadway ConcertThursday, May 16th (7-8:30pm)

WI Campus ACI-150

Willow International CommencementFriday, May 17th, 6:30 pm

Clovis North Performing Arts CenterAcademy Church Services and Events

BrewfestSaturday, May 18th

4-8 pmClovis Rodeo Grounds

Academy Church Services and Events

Memorial Day Service

Sunday, May 19th at 2:pmFollowed by an Ice Cream Social

10667 N. Madsen (North on Madsen from 168/Tollhouse Rd

Eye-Q California ClassicSaturday & Sunday, May 18th - 19thwww.californiaclassicweekend.com

AUSA- The Association Of The United States Army

“The Sounds Of Freedom Military Concert Band”

Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 2 PM5th and Hughes Streets in the Clovis

Memorial BuildingFree Armed Forces Day Concert

Come and enjoy listening to uplifting music performed by this award winning

band.

FCFCU “Member Education Seminar” Credit Score

Wednesday, May 22nd at 6pmFresno County Federal Credit Union,

Cedar & Nees BranchReservations are to be made the Friday prior to the seminar to seminars@fres-

nocfcu.org. Any questions can be directed

to the credit union at 252-5000. For ad-ditional information and a complete list of seminars go to fresnocfcu.org. Seminars are open to all members and non-mem-

bers of the credit union.

Clovis Leadership DayThursday, May 23rd

www.clovischamber.com

Blue Grass in the ParkFridays, May 24th & 31st

Time: 6:30 to DuskLocation: The park adjacent to the Clovis Senior Center and the Veterans Memorial

Building (808 4th Street)Cost: Free to All

Contact the Clovis Senior Center for more information at 559-324-2750

Clovis Memorial Run Saturday, May 25th

Time: 8:00 a.m.Clovis Senior Center, 850 4th Street

Entry Free ranges from $15.00 - $30.00. Veterans and active military are free if they register prior to May 19, then $5

after May 19. The event includes a timed 5K, 2 mile walk, ½ mile Kids run and a ½ mile

senior walk & roll. Awards for top 5k finishers in 10-year age brackets. Entry includes a tech shirt, pancake breakfast,

and raffle ticket. A resource fair is held in conjunction with the event and includes

20+ vendors providing information about local businesses and organizations.

For more information visit www.Clovis-MemorialRun.com

2013 CLOVIS CALENDAR

Clovis Fire Fighters Fill-The-Boot for MDA

Clovis, CA—The Clovis Fire De-partment Local 1695 will be conduct-ing a Fill-the-Boot (FTB) drive to raise funds for the Central California Mus-cular Dystrophy Association (MDA). On Thursday, May 9, 2013, the Clovis Fire Fighters will be at the intersection of Clovis and Shaw Avenues from 6 am until 10 am. The fire fighters will be asking passing motorists to donate dol-lars and “Fill the Boot” as they travel through the intersections holding out their boots to accept donations. Their goal is to raise $5,000, last year they raised $4,104.

With the help of the Clovis Fire De-partment, MDA can provide the fol-lowing services to local families free of charge; monthly support groups, medical clinics, loan and repair medi-cal equipment, and annual youth Sum-mer Camp. MDA is the largest private sponsor of neuromuscular disease re-search in the world. MDA provides a pediatric clinic at Children’s Hospital of Central California and an adult clinic at University of California, San Francisco - Fresno.

MDA Summer Camp is specially de-signed for children with physical disabili-ties due to muscle diseases. MDA Summer Camp is held at Camp Tuolumne Trails in Groveland, CA for children throughout the Central Valley. All activities are modified so children with disabilities can participate in all camp activities and have fun! Activi-ties include swimming, fishing, arts/crafts, wheelchair sports and much more.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has been a National Spon-sor of MDA for over 55 years. The part-nership between the IAFF and MDA is sustained through the annual local union’s FTB drives. We invite you to attend the boot drive to witness the big hearted fire fighters and the community of Clovis com-ing together to fight muscle diseases.

For information on the history of MDA and the IAFF please visit: http://youtu.be/NA2WtJMkAMA To see the local MDA Summer Camp please visit: http://youtu.be/CUxJ3RQ7tUQ

For more information please contact Fundraising Coordinator Renee Contreras at (559) 453-9822 or [email protected].

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Page 14 May 9, 2013 Clovis Roundup

Log of Shameby April French-Naten

April 17, 2013A local smog shop employee came into work to find that the shop’s front window had been shot out! Now, we don’t want to point fingers or make “assumptions.” Buuuuuttttttt! Seeing as they had only one client the prior day and the guy was less than happy that his truck did not pass smog, it’s lookin’ mighty suspicious!

April 18, 2013Concerned drivers called to report a citizen chasing a man who had bailed out of a car near Willow and Spruce! The vehicle turned out to be stolen and although we would never advise anyone but trained officers chasing a dirty thief, secretly, this story pricks a tinge of Clovis tough pride in our good citizens!

April 19, 2013A man over on Gettysburg was the victim of a vehicle burglary. The thief stole copper tubing, clothes, pipe fittings, ropes, helmets, and two 12 volt batteries. Ummmm, these things are a common man’s weapons of mass destruction. What a questionable combination of items to have all in your car in the first place! Makes you go hummmmm!

April 20, 2013An officer responded to a call of vehicle nuisance over off of Barstow. The call ended in an arrest for reckless driving when the officer pulled up and witnessed the knuckle head doing burn outs all over the neighborhood street! Caught red handed!

April 21, 2013A woman over on Ash was a victim of vandalism when she woke up to find someone had pulled out all of her freshly planted yard plants from her new pots! Random act of vandalism or jealous neighbor? You decide!

April 22, 2013A man called to report that his stepson had stolen his vehicle without permission, so officers went out to the house to take the report. While they were there, they called the young man to bring the car back but got no answer, so they left a message! Within 15 minutes, the young man realized the gravity of the situation and returned the vehicle while officers were on scene! Papa ain’t playin’ round son!

April 23, 2013A woman in the 2000 block of Los Altos is the newest victim of petty theft. Someone broke into her car, stole some important paperwork and her crossbow! You better run sucker, any girl who just carries around her cross bow is likely not to be a woman you want to tumble with! God help ya if she finds you!

April 24, 2013A young woman who had been a runaway returned home after 4 days of being gone! She ran away when her parents did not approve of her new boyfriend. Ironically, within her 4 day sabbatical he left her stranded at the figurative Heart Break Hotel when he broke up with her to move on to the next young hottie. Looks like her parents were right! Imagine that!

April 25, 2013Over on Duke Street we had a grand theft auto of a neon green forklift! I’m just sayin’, if I were going to steal a forklift I sure as heck wouldn’t steal one that was neon freaking green that most likely can be seen from space! Good luck hiding your loot buddy!

April 26, 2013There was a non-injury traffic accident at Bullard and Hwy 168 when a mamma dog and her puppies decided to cross the freeway! Luckily no one was hurt and the 3 vehicles involved sustained just a few little scrapes. Best of all……mamma and puppies were rescued and went home with one of the drivers to a new life of luxury off the streets!

April 27, 2013Officer responded for a citizen assist over on Woodworth when a woman called police dispatch asking for an officer to come over and help her, and then hung up. Worried, an officer responded right away and found the woman on her front porch happy to see him. He asked what she needed help with, and she explained that she needed help changing her front porch light. Just being within 2 feet of her, he realized she was drunk as a skunk. Ummmm, perhaps the drunk tank will be a better option than your front porch, and bonus, you wont have to struggle with that light bulb there either!

April 28, 2013A concerned shop owner called police to come investigate some suspicious activity of 2 juvenile boys who were in an alley and kept walking out onto the sidewalk to check for passerby’s. The officer snuck up on them and found the two 12-year-old boys sharing cigarettes in the alley! He put the smokes out, gave them a stern talking to and a citation, and turned them over to their mamma’s for some serious whoopins!

April 29, 2013A painter over in the 500 block of Keats was fit to be tied when he went inside the house to take a break, and returned to find that some sly thief walking by snagged the house keys that he left out on the porch! The owners were less than happy with him, seeing as he was more angry that the punks stole his smokes too and didn’t seem to be all that concerned that their house keys are now out in the hands of a thief! Ugh, so hard to find good help nowadays!

*The above Police Logs are loosely based on actual events. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. The circumstances have been created and embellished for your entertainment.

Clovis PD’s 10-Month-Long Bicycle/Pedestrian Detail

UnderwayThe Clovis Police Department is

conducting enhanced-enforcement patrols, in addition to training and education, in an on-going effort to make the city’s streets safe for pedestrians and bicycles. Vehicle drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists will all come under extra scrutiny in this special enforcement.

The Department will be instructing officers to keep their eyes out for pedestrians jaywalking, impeding traffic or walking in the roadways during this 10-month-long operation. Officers will contact offenders and take whatever enforcement action is necessary. Bicyclists putting themselves and others at risk by not following laws like running stop signs and red lights or riding the wrong way along one of our major thoroughfares will be stopped. Helmet violations for those under the age of 18 are also a big concern to the department, as many do not comply with the law. Officers will cite, warn or educate them.

It is the Department’s goal to reduce the number of vehicle versus bicycle and vehicle versus pedestrian collisions in the City of Clovis. Our Traffic Unit is encouraging everyone in the Department to keep our streets safe by taking a few minutes to educate people who are putting themselves and others in harm’s way. Vehicle drivers whose actions would be dangerous to pedestrians and bicyclists will also be stopped.

The Department appreciates the

emphasis the California Highway Patrol is placing on this project as it reaches out to other local law enforcement agencies in Fresno County. The Clovis Police program is part of a yearlong $44,000 Traffic Safety and Education Program grant funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also includes funding for bicycle/helmet education for elementary school children, distracted driving/teen DUI enforcement operations, car seat and seat belt details, community outreach through existing large scale events, and a data tracking system to identify traffic issues to be shared with police personnel, school officials and interested groups.

ACROSS 1. Selects 5. A cutting remark 9. Teaspoonful (abbr.) 12. Having two units or parts 13. Quality perceptible to the sense of taste 14. Expression of surprise 15. Italian Island 16. A coarse cloth with a bright print 17. Propose a price 18. Sedimentary material 19. Tree toad genus 20. Passed time agreeably 22. Custodians 24. 3rd largest city in Zambia 25. 18th Hebrew letter (var.) 26. Coasted on ice 27. Libyan dinar 28. Displayed exaggerated emotion 31. Andalusian Gypsy dances 33. Material 34. Article 35. Ballplayer Ruth 36. 5th largest Greek island 39. Hand drum of No. India 40. A style of preparing food

42. Former ruler of Afghani-stan 43. AKA Cologne 44. Not generally occurring 46. Auto 47. Print errors 49. Interspersed among 50. Electrocardiogram 51. Churns 52. Ice hockey feint 53. Drive obliquely, as of a nail 54. Dried leaves of the hemp plant 55. Ardour

DOWN 1. Lyric poems 2. Hungarian sheep dog (var. sp.) 3. A pad of writing paper 4. Lists of candidates 5. Base, basket and foot 6. Samoan capital 7. Mythological bird 8. Urban row houses 9. Sensationalist journalism 10. Carried on the arm to intercept blows

11. Estrildid finch genus 13. PA 18840 16. S.W. English town & cheese 21. Runs disconnected 23. Mourners 28. Old world, new 29. Atomic #25 30. Sweet potato wind instru-ment 31. Legend 32. 3rd tone of the scale 33. Russian jeweler Peter Carl 35. Capital of Mali 36. Extremist sects 37. Violent denunciation 38. Tooth covering 39. Music term for silence 40. Smoldering embers 41. Writer Jong 43. Actor Kristofferson 45. Adam and Eve’s 1st home 48. Fish eggs

*See our next issue for Crossword

Answers*

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Clovis Roundup May 9, 2013 Page 15

Buying your next carContinued from page 8

systems, high-intensity headlamps. Pre-arrange financing. Review your

credit report and understand what your score means. Visit your credit union or other lender. Get pre-approved so you’ll know the rate you qualify for and your monthly payment. You can arrange credit union financing at most dealers, but pre-approval saves time.

It’s a process. Though it can be challenging, buying a new car is a business negotiation, not a war. Getting the best possible deal takes research and time. No matter what, drive off happy by making sure you’ve selected a car you will love at a monthly payment you can afford.

Be prepared. Attend Fresno County Federal Credit Union’s “Car Buying Tips and Tricks” free seminar taking place on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6 pm at the Cedar & Nees branch. During the seminar, you’ll hear from straight from the lender

about which elements of your credit report they use determine whether you are approved or not and what rate you will get, tips to improve your credit score so you get a lower rate and save money and tricks to negotiate your best price for your next vehicle. Make your reservation today by calling 252-5000.

For the lowest rate, join Fresno County Federal Credit Union; they are currently offering an auto loan as low as 2.24% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) – quite possibly the lowest available! Members have more choices for custom loans with low rates and convenient terms for cars, hybrids, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles.

For more information about membership in Fresno County Federal Credit Union, including how you can join, their auto loans and auto buying services, visit online at www.FresnoCU.com.

Tip of the DayDid you know it’s against the Clovis municipal code to keep basketball hoops on the sidewalk or street when you’re not actively using it? They block the public access ways. You may bring them out to the sidewalk

or street, use them as long as it doesn’t cause a hazard, and then move it back to your private property.

SADDProm and graduation season, the

Fourth of July, and summer vacation give pause to parents of teenagers ev-erywhere. Why? Because celebration paired with newfound freedom can trig-ger tragedy on our roads and highways.

Indeed, young people themselves re-port that these times of year are the most dangerous when it comes to driving. And alcohol and other drugs are primary reasons.

According to new research from SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Liberty Mutual Insur-ance, 23 percent of teens admit to driv-ing under the influence of alcohol, mari-juana or other drugs. With 13 million driving-aged teenagers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that means as many as 3 million impaired adolescents may be taking to the road.

Ironically, most teens (91 percent) consider themselves to be safe, cautious drivers. For example, nearly 40 percent claim that alcohol has no impact on their driving. Some even say it helps. And when it comes to operating a motor ve-hicle under the influence of marijuana, a whopping 75 percent feel the same way.

Specifically, about one in four teens who have driven under the influence of marijuana (25 percent) or prescrip-tion drugs (23 percent), and about one in seven teens who report drinking and driving (14 percent), say they’re not dis-tracted “at all” when mixing substance use with driving.

This cavalier attitude toward driv-ing under the influence is made more somber in light of recent data from the Governors Highway Safety Association which found an alarming 19 percent increase in the number of teen driver

deaths (ages 16 and 17) in the first half of 2012.

“The end of the school year and the summer months are exciting times for teens, but they are also the most danger-ous,” says Dave Melton, a driving safety expert with Liberty Mutual Insurance and managing director of global safety. “A cel-ebratory toast can quickly lead to serious consequences down the line. These new data illustrate that there is clearly a strong need to increase the level of education around risk. More importantly, it’s a flag for parents to make sure they talk to their kids regularly about the importance of safe driving behavior.”

His thoughts are echoed by SADD.“Parents play an incredibly important

role in communicating expectations to their teen drivers, enforcing consequences for ignoring family driving rules, and set-ting a good example behind the wheel,” says Penny Wells, SADD’s president and CEO, who points to Liberty Mutual’s Par-ent/Teen Driving Contract and SADD’s Contract for Life as effective conversation starters for parents and their teen drivers.

The good news is that more than 90 per-cent of teens say their school has a program or policy in place to deter illegal behavior, the most common being security guards or police. Additionally, the use of breathalyz-ers at school events is up nearly 25 percent. Yet, while school programs play an impor-tant role in keeping teens from engaging in dangerous activities, unsupervised cel-ebrations make parent communication about safe driving more critical than ever.

If teens really believe there are no adverse consequences from driving im-paired, we have our work cut out for us … lest many more families become shattered from injury and death.

Chop shop discovered in Clovis

The California Highway Patrol HEAT task force in cooperation with the Clovis Police Department arrested Barney Wright and Danielle Kennedy of Clovis today for being in possession of a stolen vehicle. Approximately one month earlier, the 2012 Chevy Silverado was stolen from in front of Jimbo’s Bar in Clovis while the victim was in town for a PBR event at the Save Mart Center.

During a search warrant later served at Kennedy’s home, the HEAT task force recovered riding equipment that was stolen with the Silverado and discovered stolen

parts and paperwork from 5 additional stolen vehicles. The task force considered the residence a chop shop as parts from several other vehicles including over 40 license plates were also found. The investigation is ongoing as the couple had taken other vehicle parts to nearby recycling centers.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to vehicle parts or cars coming and going from their neighbor’s homes to the Fresno CHP HEAT task force by calling 559-253-7045.

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Page 16 May 9, 2013 Clovis Roundup

Phillip Thomas Goes in Round 4 of NFL Draft

Fresno State’s unanimous All-America safety gets drafted by the Washington Redskins

By Jason Clay [email protected] GoBulldogs.com

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State safety Phillip Thomas was selected Saturday by the Washington Redskins with the 119th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2013 National Football League Draft.

Thomas, at 6-1, 215-pounds, becomes the 24th Bulldog drafted since 2000 and is the seventh safety to be selected, the last being Tyrone Culver by the Green Bay Packers in 2006.

Jackie Fellows in 1944 is the only other Bulldog that has been drafted by the Redskins.

Thomas became the first player in Fresno State history to be named a unanimous All-American in 2012, a year in which his eight interceptions led the nation and set a new Mountain West record. Thomas returned three interceptions for touchdowns and also forced four fumbles on the year.

Along with the All-America accolades, Thomas garnered a number of other honors during his senior season. He became the school’s first-ever finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award that honors the nation’s top

defensive back, was the 2012 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and received the College Football Performance Awards Defensive Back Trophy.

Thomas did all this while coming back from a broken leg and dislocated ankle that caused him to miss all of his junior season in 2011.

For his career, Thomas ranks first in school history with four interceptions returned for touchdowns and that is one shy of tying the NCAA career record. He picked off 13 total passes in his time with the Bulldogs, ranking seventh in school history.

Thomas had 178 tackles, 17.0 tackles for a loss, four sacks, six forced fumbles and 15 pass breakups. His 12.0 tackles for a loss as a senior led the team and tied for fourth in the Mountain West.

He forced four fumbles in 2012 to tie for eighth nationally in that category and he tied for the FBS lead with nine total take-aways (eight interceptions, one fumble recovery). Thomas also had a team-high 84 tackles in 2012.

Fresno City College Women’s Soccer Team Transfers 10 Student/Athletes to 4-year schools

The Fresno City College Women’s Soccer Team is proud to announce that 10 former student/athletes will be transferring to 4-year schools in the fall of 2013. The program has always had a tremendous transfer rate but this year is the most ever for one year. Amoung the 10 transferring students are two CUSD graduates. Sara Reed (Clovis North) is going to Vanguard University in costa Mesa, CA and Jasmine Cordova (Buchanan) will attend Menlo Colege in Atherton, CA.

Sara played Center mid for us the past two seasons at Fresno City College. While here she scored 7 goals and had 7 assists.

Jasmine Cordova played Goalkeeper the past two seasons. She was in goal for 2745 minutes and had 99 saves during that time.

The overall team record during the past two seasons was 34-13-3, while winning two Central Valley Conference titles and finishing ranked 9th in the country for community colleges by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Monday, April 29th, the team hosted a reception/signing party at the FCC soccer field for the 10 mentioned below.

1. Marissa Pacheco (Hoover High) Palm Beach Atlantic University

2. Lesslee Hernandez (Madera

High) Palm Beach Atlantic University3. Sara Reed (Clovis North High)

Vanguard University4. Lilly Ruiz (Madera South High)

Vanguard University5. Jasmine Woodruff (Redwood High) Newman University6. Midi Lyons (Edison High)

Newman University7. Jasmine Cordova (Buchanan High) Newman University8. Deidra Rueda (Hoover High)

Academy of the Art University9. Alicia Kolter (Redondo High)

Concordia University10. Simmi Nijjar (Selma High)

Claremont McKenna College

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Clovis Roundup May 9, 2013 Page 17

Dispatches From a Movie Theater By Sam Fragoso

Everybody watches movies. I write about them. Hopefully this becomes a place where you and I can come together and discuss the medium that connects us all.

Iron Man 33 stars out of 4The brazen and brass Tony Stark has

quickly evolved into America’s favorite superhero, and for good reason. Robert Downey Jr. knows how to play the cynical, nihilistic and charismatic super hero we all swoon for. However, in Iron Man 3 Stark is no longer capable of hiding behind his quick quips, sarcasm, or narcissism. With the conclusion of the Iron Man series comes the most somber and introspective chapter in this Marvel franchise.

Essentially, Tony Stark is going through an existential crisis. Plagued by anxiety attacks when The Avengers is brought up in conversation, Stark is beginning to understand he’s merely a fish in a big pond. He doesn’t possess super powers and he can’t turn into a big green monster when angry. All he has is his intellect.

In this finale Stark is pitted against his most devious and calculating enemy yet: the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), an Osama Bin Laden -like terrorist who seemingly has no moral or ethical boundaries. He kills and ruins the lives of others because he simply can. There’s no rhyme or reason for his actions (outside of his inexorable hatred for America), just bloodshed.

As if fighting off a malevolent and elusive villain wasn’t difficult enough, Tony is forced to reevaluate not only his place and purpose in society, but also his love for Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), who isn’t in the movie nearly enough). Stark isn’t exactly a serial monogamist, and his issues with mortality don’t particularly help the situation. After his Malibu playpen is obliterated Tony goes on a mission to find both himself and the Mandarin.

Iron Man 3 isn’t your typical comic-book blockbuster. Jon Favreua changed the game with Iron Man in 2008, showing the world that you can make an effective superhero film (one not uncomfortably self-aware or overly serious) that’s genuinely humorous. Shane Black (responsible for writing Lethal Weapon and directing Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) is at the helm here with a different creative vision. While still silly and playful, Iron Man 3 takes the time to develop are very flawed and vulnerable hero.

After all the garish gadgetry, innovative action sequences, and clever witticisms, one has to ask what is left? There’s a relationship between a young boy named Harley (Ty Simpkins) and Tony that blossoms in the middle of the film. The two forge a bond over their shared passion for

technology. Although there’s a significant age difference between the two, Black treats the characters as equals. Harley makes Tony confront his issues even when he may not be ready to, and Stark fills the role of the father figure Harley never had.

There’re a few moments where sincerity and kindness shine through the façade of Tony Stark. While those occasions are few and far between, they make all the difference. Iron Man 3 is incredibly entertaining – that much we expect. But Iron Man 3 also reminds us that sometimes we learn how to be a better human being from the most unexpected of places and people.

Pain & Gain1 star out of 4Imagining a Michael Bay (responsible

for the Transformers series) film without robust robots and big-budget explosions is about as difficult as imagining a bad romantic-comedy without Katherine Heigl. Alas, Pain & Gain has arrived, an absurdist motion picture revolving around a trio of bodybuilders who construct a half-baked, cracked-pot plan to kidnap and extort money from a wealthy Jewish man.

Anti-Semitic and misogynistic as it is banally scripted, Pain & Gain is attempting to satirize an American culture infatuated with pumping iron and injecting steroids. That is the American dream in the eyes of our protagonist Daniel Lugo (Mark Whalberg) – a trainer who has made his small Miami gym the mecca for attractive women and muscular men.

As Lugo and company’s plan to get rich becomes increasingly dangerous, Bay dives into the dark end of morality. Unfortunately, the tactics the film

employs – an onslaught of blood and colors, juxtaposed with jagged editing and dismal narration – get old quick. After being trapped for a 130-minutes with these people you’re likely to leave with a desire to cleanse yourself of the filth you just witnessed. The kicker of all this: Pain & Gain is a virtuous retelling of the true events that took place during the 1990s.

Disconnect2 stars out of 4In the vein of films like Babel and Crash,

Disconnect is a drama that presents us with unique different stories that all dovetail into the idea that we as a society have an inability to connect with others in our technologically driven world. The result is a heavy-handed anomaly attempting to tackle the dangers of social media. Deceptive and contrived, there isn’t a single moment of optimism in this picture. It’s worth noting that Jason Bateman (a talented actor who is too often designated to slight comedic roles) is heartbreaking here as a father who is forced to cope with the suicide of his reclusive son.

Mud3.5 stars out of 4Last but not least, I’m calling on the

readers of this column to go out to the theater and purchase a ticket to Mud. It’s a thoughtful coming-of-age drama driven by the limitless power of love – and the great lengths many of us go to find it, obtain it, and keep it. Go into the film knowing nothing more than what I’ve divulged here. If you’re not satisfied by the movie, feel free to voice your complaints to me.

You can contact me at [email protected] and follow me on twitter at @SamFragoso.

Page 18: CR 5.9.13

Page 18 May 9, 2013 Clovis Roundup

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fork can damage the meat. 6. Cover grill as much as possible during the grilling process.

This helps to lock in the grilled flavor and will help prevent flare-ups.

7. Keep a spray bottle with water handy to douse any unexpected flare-ups.

8. Use the 60/40 grilling method. Grill for 60 percent of the time on the first side, then grill 40 percent of the time after turning over the food. This will make sure your food is evenly cooked.

9. Place cooked food on a clean plate. Never place cooked food on the plate you used to transport the raw food to the grill without thoroughly washing it first.

10. Allow foods to “rest” for 5 minutes between cooking and eating. This will help them retain moisture when you cut into them.

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Mediterranean Sirloin SkewersServes 4 to 6 2 pounds Omaha Steaks Sirloin Tips 1 cup Mediterranean Steak Marinade 4 to 6 skewersThaw sirloin tips.

Prepare Mediterranean Steak Marinade.Drain sirloin tips and place in a resealable

bag with marinade. Marinate sirloin tips in refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Agitate bag periodically to ensure marinade is well combined with the sirloin tips.

Preheat grill on high. Thread sirloin tips onto skewers. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

Serve over couscous, pasta, salad or rice.

Mediterranean Steak Marinade Makes 1 cup 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 1/4 cup California chardonnay wineCombine all ingredients and mix well.

4 Omaha Steaks Ribeye Steaks Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 1 cup Chimichurri Salsa (see recipe) 4 cilantro sprigsBegin by thawing steaks. Then season and grill to desired doneness.

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Chimichurri SalsaMakes 1 cup 1/2 cup green onions, minced 2 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced

1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced 1/4 cup cilantro, minced 1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1/2 lime, juicedCombine all ingredients and mix well.

Grilled Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri SalsaServes 4

Korean Barbecue Beef Tenderloin with Stir-Fried Bok ChoyServes 6 to 8

1 3-pound Omaha Steaks Tenderloin Roast 2 cups Korean Barbecue Marinade (see recipe) 1/4 cup Omaha Steaks Private Reserve American Steak Rub 1 pound Stir-Fried Bok Choy (see recipe) 1 14-ounce bottle Korean barbecue sauce 6 to 8 cilantro sprigs 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seedsBegin by completely thawing tenderloin. It will take 2 days in refrigerator or 1 hour in a sink full of cold water.

Remove tenderloin from plastic, and place in a large resealable bag with Korean Barbecue Marinade. Marinate overnight in refrigerator.

Remove tenderloin from marinade, and season with steak rub. Sear tenderloin on all sides on a pre-heated grill. Place in a 250°F oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 125°F for medium rare.

With 15 minutes remaining, prepare the bok choy and heat Korean barbecue sauce.

Remove tenderloin from oven, let rest 15 minutes. Slice and serve. Garnish with cilantro and a mixture of sesame seeds.

Korean Barbecue Marinade Makes 2 cups 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 tablespoonsgarlic,finelychopped 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced 1 cup canned pear juice 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon crushed red pepperPlace sesame oil in a thick bottom pot and add garlic and ginger. Place pot on a medium burner and add the rest of ingredients and slowly bring to a boil. Bring heat down to a simmer and cook while stirring for approximately 5 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and refrigerate for up to one week.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 pound bok choy, chopped 1/3 cup Korean barbecue sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to tasteIn a wok, briefly heat canola oil. Add bok choy and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add Korean barbecue sauce and sesame oil to wok and mix well. Serve while hot.

Page 19: CR 5.9.13

Clovis Roundup May 9, 2013 Page 19

Not your mama’s food truckBy Carol Lawson-Swezey

Nestled between walking trails and orchards laden with fruit, Bella Frutta has become a mecca for the weekend family outing. The store, operated by P-R Farms, sells freshly harvested vegetables, nuts and fruit grown on the family farm since 1946. Located on Willow and Shepherd avenues in Clovis, it now boasts one of the area’s larger food truck festivals every weekend.

Initially starting with one food truck last spring, the event has grown to include as many as eight trucks or stands offering everything from Korean tacos to bistro and brunch gourmet sandwiches and hot baked cookies and kettle corn.

There are as many bicycles, strollers and wagons lined up in the parking lot as there are cars. Customers range from families to clusters of cyclists on their way to and from an outing.

Bicyclist Christie Burg and three friends have made Bella Frutta their regular stop on Saturday mornings after a 30-40 mile workout.

“Scratch whatever preconceived notion you might have about lunch trucks,” Burg said. “We love it and try something new every week.”

Denise Zanutto just came back from Paris and found herself missing the lunch truck food.

“I couldn’t wait to get back. The food here was better than Paris- it was tastier, original and had more variety and combinations,” she said.

David and Janet Limsui and their kids get both exercise and a great variety of fare on their weekly 30 minute bike jaunt to Bella Frutta.

“It’s a fun go-to destination,” David said. “Ever since we got our bikes, we’ve

been coming every week.”Long lines form at every booth but

the service is fast. Die-hard fans rave about spicy chicken burritos and kimchee quesadillas at Tako BBQ Fusion.

“The food is awesome,” said Paul Grazulis. “You can’t find this kind of food anywhere else. It’s like a mobile food court.”

The eatery creates Korean fusion meals with barbecued meats and other international foods. Originally from New Jersey, owner Tony Mullings and his Korean culinary-trained wife, Eun Joo Mullings, fashioned their business after successful ethnic food trucks in L.A.

The most difficult part of the weekend event is making up your mind.

Heather O’Malley and her sons Jack and Hudson, have their favorites in homemade mac and cheese and snow cones.

“It’s nice that we can get what we want and help support local restaurants,” Heather said.

Dusty Buns owners Dustin and Kristen Stewart, graduates of San Francisco’s Le Cordon Bleu, wanted to open a food truck in the Big City that specialized in local and organic ingredients, but found the Central Valley more affordable. Using a refurbished taco truck, they started Dusty Buns three years ago and then a restaurant bistro a year ago near Fresno High.

Everything from the buns to the sauces for the sandwiches and coleslaw, grind maize for tacos and the ketchup is homemade. They also support local farmers or businesses by buying their organic and/or bio-dynamic ingredients.

The truck goes to area Carthops nearly every day of the week but is busiest at

Bella Frutta.“Our Bistro fries fly out of here,” said

Kristin. “We use sliced fingerling potatoes which are seared on a flat top grill, not fried, and served with a homemade dipping sauce.”

Bob and Terri Brookshire, of Crumb Snatcher Goodies, serve freshly baked, award-winning cookies, carrot cake and Terri’s Grandma Dot’s spice cake in their brightly decorated mobile trailer. After a full day at Bella Frutta, the truck moves over to Clovis Hills Church every Saturday evening.

“Everything we sell has won first place at the county fair,” said Bob. “We sell out of our chocolate chip cookies every weekend- about 300 of them.”

Benaddiction, affectionately known as a “brunch truck”, specializes in eggs and breakfast-style sandwiches. Everything on the truck is named after a song from classic rock to modern. Their logo is the egg and bacon guitar

A new offering at Bella Frutta is the Casa de Tamales truck which offers traditional pork, chicken and beef tamales but also unique combos with portabella and asparagus, blueberry/cream cheese, drunken chicken marinated in Modelo Light beer and fiery Barbacoa tamales. They also have a brick and mortar restaurant at Shaw and Brawley avenues.

Also in the mix is a new eatery, Eat Street Bistro, which offers “eclectic, miscellaneous, gourmet,” says Marc Barton, one of the partners in the business. That includes Reuben and po’ boy sandwiches, “lobsta” rolls, burgers stuffed with blue cheese and entree salads with pears and gorgonzola. Add to that

an enticing “not your mama’s Brussels sprouts,” which are blanched and grilled with roasted garlic and bacon in balsamic reduction.

The bistro also parks at the Fresno Grizzly games, Clovis Farmers Market and ApCal Winery in Madera for their Friday and Saturday evening concerts.

Throw in a kettle korn and shaved ice stand, and you’ve got something for everyone.

Vincent Ricchiuti, Director of Operations at P-R Farms, Inc., says he is proud that Bella Frutta’s family fresh produce store is at the hub of this mecca.

The store offers hundreds of dried, candied and chocolate covered fruits, vegetables, honey, gift packs and even Fresno State merchandise, including their much coveted ice cream and sweet corn in season. They’ve recently started selling Enzo Olive Oil, which won the Gold Medal at the Yolo Olive Oil Convention.

“I’ve traveled to different cities and they always had open air farmers markets and food vendors, creating a sense of community.” Ricchiuti said. “I thought why can’t we have that in the Valley? We started with the Tako BBQ truck and have been adding since. Weekends here have become a destination event- people bring their own lawn chairs and tailgate. Cyclists park here and go off on their rides. It’s become a local hub of activity.”

Ricchiuti’s future vision includes more trucks, possible live music, artists, and book signings.

Bringing in the food trucks has helped bring Bella Frutta additional business and exposure, but more importantly, Ricchiuti said, it’s “a community supporting itself.”